A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Master Deputy Jacob Alan Smith OF THE LEXINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON BEING AWARDED THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to learn that Master Deputy Jacob Alan Smith of the Lexington County Sheriff's Office was awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor on January 25, 2024, for taking action that showed fortitude and cool-headedness in seeking to protect others from harm during a life-threatening situation; and

Whereas, the award is presented annually to law enforcement officers who perform actions above and beyond the call of duty; exhibit exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind; or act with unusual swiftness, regardless of personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life; and

Whereas, in the early morning hours of September 6, 2023, the Lexington County Communications Center received a call reporting a home invasion in progress on Prismatic Way in Lexington. Master Deputy Jacob Alan Smith and his shift responded to the scene; and

Whereas, the caller stated she was locked in her son's bedroom with him but could hear someone moving inside the house. Upon arrival of the first deputies, screaming was heard coming from inside the residence, and deputies began trying to get into the house; and

Whereas, the screams were followed by the sound of gunshots from within the house. Master Deputy Smith forced entry through the front door and was immediately fired on by the suspect, who waited from an elevated position to ambush officers as they attempted to get to the victim and her son. Master Deputy Smith was struck by the gunfire and was immediately extracted by fellow officers. The round had struck him in his dominant arm and traveled up and through his elbow. The victim was found deceased just inside the house as a result of gunshot wounds; and

Whereas, the suspect then used the victim's car to drive through the garage door and lead officers on a chase while the suspect fired multiple shots at the pursuing officers. This incident came to an end when the suspect bailed out of the vehicle and fired upon officers again. The suspect was fatally struck by return gunfire from officers. The child was located unharmed in the home; and

Whereas, as a result of his injury, Master Deputy Smith underwent surgery, and he faces potential future surgeries on his path to recovery. His quick action in the face of imminent danger prevented this tragic incident from becoming much worse; and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly appreciate the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers like Master Deputy Jacob Alan Smith who put their lives on the line every day to provide safety and security and to protect the citizens of our great State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Master Deputy Jacob Alan Smith of the Lexington County Sheriff's Office and congratulate him on being awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Master Deputy Jacob Alan Smith.

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